The 7 Best Chemical Exfoliators of 2021

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Lately, we've been waxing poetic about the dangers of using abrasive scrubs, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. As much as using a good scrub on our complexion feels like it has to be working, the not-so-immediately-apparent damage it's doing to your skin is rather frightening. According to celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau, over-scrubbing can cause dehydration, redness, and breakouts. Aren't those the things we're trying to prevent or remedy when we exfoliate?

The answer to this beauty conundrum? Skip the scrubs. According to Rouleau, using an exfoliating acid is the key to more youthful, glowing skin: "These exfoliants include ingredients such as glycolic acid, AHAs, and BHAs, and enzymes such as pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple," she explains. Here at Byrdie HQ, we're big fans of chemical exfoliators. They're easy on our skin and give us that dewy glow we're always yearning for.

So without further ado, below are the best chemical exfoliators available now.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

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All the Byrdie editors unanimously agree that these pads from Dr. Dennis Gross are a must-try. Not only do you get a radiant glow after you're done using them; they also help clear up those deep-rooted blackheads you think have taken up permanent residence on your face. It's truly a five-star product.

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Says senior editor Hallie Gould, "Aside from the fact that it's both gentle and effective (congestion is a problem we all have, I'm sure), it's one of those super pretty products that look Insta-worthy on your vanity."

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Gould also loves these resurfacing pads. "They'll genuinely make you wake up prettier," she says. If that doesn't sell us, we don't know what will.

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Another product coined a "miracle," these pads gently alleviate those common beauty blunders like fine lines, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.

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Lactic acid and fruit enzymes combine to rejuvenate skin in an incredibly refreshing way. Just a small drop on the face and neck is all you need; then rinse clean to reveal smoother, softer skin.

Key Ingredients

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that lightly exfoliates by dissolving dead skin cells and balances your skin’s PH level.

Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel

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Wellness editor Victoria Hoff says of this peel, "It smells like you have Pop-Tarts on your face—in a good way." Anything that smells like a sweet treat is reason enough for us to try it, but couple that with the fact that it actually makes your skin look luminous, and we've got a winner on our hands (er, our face).

Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads

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Just take a quick scroll through the reviews of these exfoliating pads, and you'll see why Byrdie contributing writer Deven Hopp loves them.

Most of these exfoliating pads are saturated with a copious amount of product. To get the most bang for your buck, cut the pads in half and get twice the use out of them.

The 21 Face Exfoliators That Are Ace for Removing Dead Surface Cells